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If someone had told me that my current gaming hours would be in a place full of satirical yet chaotic warfare where my character evades lasers and bugs while screaming at the top of his lungs that he wants freedom, I would think I was playing Star Wars: Battlefront 2 back in 2005. It’s been a while since I experienced something as addictive as Helldivers 2. Until now, no game has ever made me want to turn on my computer and start spreading democracy before getting down to work. After a decade of being unable to fight against the galaxy’s freedom, I’m happy to say that now I can’t let go of the trigger of this live service experience.
Helldivers 2 Review
Before I bring the good word of democracy to you, I think it’s good to know where Helldivers 2 comes from and why everyone should play it. As the name implies, it’s a sequel. The first installment came out in 2015 and was quite different. It had an isometric camera, vehicles to drive, lots of enemies, and the patriotic action we all look for. Arrowhead Game Studios has kept the iconic gameplay and created a co-op ecosystem that matches the fun of Deep Rock Galactic or Left 4 Dead. What’s the best thing about it? Sony backs it, and the budget is noticeable from the moment you set foot in your Hellpod and await your landing in this eternal struggle.
Story: Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death
One would think that a game with the style of Helldivers 2 doesn’t need a story, and frankly, they might be right. But the truth is, there is plenty of lore behind this franchise and anyone who doesn’t know it could be considered a dissident. This sequel takes place a century after the events of the first game. In this period, Super Earth had its most prosperous moments. It began to colonize other planets thanks to the ideal and not-at-all dangerous idea of harvesting Terminids or insects to make FTL technology. Thanks to these advances, the Super Earth banner flew peacefully on each planet until the bugs escaped from their farms, and the Helldivers had to take action once again.
You are one of the thousands of Helldivers willing to lay down their lives on the battlefield. You have no identity; you are not a single protagonist. Instead, you are an endless supply of soldiers coming out of cryostasis who might as well be named Gary, Bob, and Soldier #4. Any of them will eventually perish by friendly fire, incineration, or blasted into the stratosphere. But every trooper you use to leave your grain of freedom in the galaxy is part of a fight. Thanks to the ever-changing environment of the game, every player who enters the battle shapes the story of this online Galactic War and is one of the most unique playstyles we’ve ever experienced.
This is where the story we all shape as a community begins. The Galactic War is the main playground of this installment. You have several planets full of robots or killer bugs that you must liberate. And, as you do so, your actions make this galaxy change. As you free a sector, new planets open up with new dangers and objectives. Beyond that, even the developers make the story with us. Are you about to liberate a planet? Here is some fog to block your visibility. Or a somewhat wild developer may give all players incendiary grenades. Yes, freedom is also served crispy.
In the end, Helldivers 2 is an ecosystem that is constantly changing as we play. There is no need for an update or to buy DLC. All the planets we see there are ready to be played, and it all depends on how fast we bring democracy to the galaxy. This is how a live service game should be made in such a way that it encourages cooperation between players and involves the developers to make every match a new adventure.
Gameplay: Appetite for Destruction
Previously, this franchise was a twin-stick shooter with an isometric camera, and now it’s been changed to an over-the-shoulder shooter to feel the weight of freedom on our shoulders and in a more personal way. This leads to a more visceral gameplay in any of the procedurally generated maps. To liberate the galaxy or sacrifice your comrades heroically, you have a vast arsenal. From long-range rifles to shotguns or grenade launchers, democracy knows no boundaries. All this is unlocked through a battle pass that is free for all and not pay-to-win. Sure, there is a premium version, but Super Earth also recognizes the efforts of those who have little funds to take on the good fight.
Beyond that, the best thing about combat is the so-called Strategems. After pressing a series of directional buttons in real-time, you can request these drop-offs at any time in the game. This is one of the most exhilarating things because nothing takes away the thrill of calling for an orbital attack while escaping from a Bile Titan. These Strategems include powerful weapons, sentries to protect you, or even supplies to help your fellow Helldivers. Of course, some weapons still need to be adjusted as they don’t work quite right. Occasionally, late-game weapons feel weaker than the ones you initially unlock, which means some tinkering is in order.
As for the mission structure, there is a bit of everything. All objectives are within activities called “Operations.” Each includes a set of missions with different goals that increase depending on the difficulty. Initially, you can start with something basic: destroy insect eggs, take out anti-democratic propaganda, you name it. But once you advance, you face bigger challenges: launch a devastating missile, take out a giant insect, and destroy the weapons of the Automaton rebellion. But ultimately, what makes each mission different is the decision-making at the moment and what brings me to the most fun factor of the game.
The cooperative part is the best executed I have seen in years. With everything happening in real-time and waves of enemies coming at your position, it all leads to how well the players can work as a team. The on-the-fly decision-making is so entertaining that you must adapt to what others are doing. Maybe you’re entering codes at a terminal, and your teammate calls in a napalm attack near you; you have to adapt. A teammate of yours died? You must call in another Helldiver instantly while dodging lasers and acidic spit. It’s a strategic game that simulates an intergalactic war flawlessly, and anyone can join it.
Sadly, there are plenty of connectivity issues that the team must fix. So far, it seems like it is a case of Helldivers 2 suffering from success. There are five times the number of players the first entry had, and one never expected a democratic overload. Still, it is something that prevents players from having fun, but other than that, it’s a smooth ride once you land on the battlefield.
Graphics & Audio: Into the Fog of War
Since Helldivers 2 could be categorized as a current-gen shooter, it can be seen in its graphical style. On both PS5 and PC, everything looks and runs great. You have an unparalleled amount of environmental effects that give a different feel to each map, from the mist that falls on the jungles full of robots to the rain that never stops in the fields surrounded by insects. Despite being procedural, each map is memorable and makes more than one player have a favorite planet to join the war.
In terms of audio, the studio couldn’t have done better. While I love the patriotic tunes, my favorite thing is the care that went into bringing the Helldivers to life. With different actors, including Yuri Lowenthal and Erica Lindbeck, you can choose what personality to give your soldier. I’ll never forget the voice actor of Peter Parker in the latest Spider-Man games shouting, “Sweet Liberty, my leg!” as he flies through the air after being hit by an insect. This adds another layer to the franchise’s iconic humor, making each game even more chaotic than I expected.
Conclusion: A Well-Cooked Live Service Game
Helldivers 2 is what a live service game should be. This installment, which has its upfront cost without needing a subscription or an almost mandatory battle pass, gives you everything. A cooperative campaign that evolves depending on what the community does. In each match, you can use various weapons and Stratagems to create chaos and destruction. Options to characterize your Helldiver that feel relevant but not overpowered enough to trivialize the game. Yes, a few things need urgent tinkering, such as matchmaking and weapon balance. But so far, it’s one of the most complete co-op experiences I’ve played, and I can’t wait to spread some more democracy to every nook and cranny of this galaxy.
Helldivers 2 (PC Reviewed)
A fresh take on the co-op genre that sets the bar high.
Pros
- Fantastic co-op mechanics.
- Smooth gunplay.
- Beautiful environments.
Cons
- Several matchmaking issues.
